He said: "Given the potential serious nature of the issues raised, and in accordance with the council's whistle blowing policy, I will decide on the most appropriate course of action in relation to these matters. My intention is to respond within 10 working days, and according to due process. The issue will be dealt with as any other complaint or allegation and in line with our whistle blowing policy."

The complaint was lodged by Stuart Hardwicke Carruthers, who is advising the residents' legal team.

He claims mismanagement of the site by the council dates back 30 years to when hardcore and clay was dumped on the green belt site, meaning later planning applications may have been based on incomplete information.

Mr Hardwicke Carruthers also says council officials falsely advised that the site could be cleared in its entirety.

One of the current High Court battles rests on the claim that the council would "over-enforce" enforcement notices if it cleared all of the unauthorised plots.

Lawyers for Basildon, who have fought a 10-year battle to clear the site, argued they had acted lawfully and reasonably and complied with their statutory duty.